Thong style sandal with removable and interchangeable ornaments

ABSTRACT

A thong style sandal system having removable and interchangeable ornaments that fasten to the sandal upper by means of a releasable attachment system (snap) that will hold the ornament securely in place but also allow for quick and easy removal of the ornament. The ornaments may be of many different designs (i.e. flowers, monograms, butterflies, sports emblems, etc) thus allowing the wearer to have fun with expressing different styles or moods when desired.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to thong style sandals that have a decorative unit that is removable and interchangeable.

The primary function of any shoe is to protect and support the wearer's foot. However, additionally, a shoe serves as an accessory to complement and coordinate with the wearer's clothing. Many shoes are adorned with ornaments to enhance the overall appearance of the shoe. However, these ornaments are generally permanently affixed to the shoe upon construction.

It is cost prohibitive for most people to buy shoes to coordinate with all of their outfits. It is the purpose of this invention to provide the wearer with a wide variety of decorative options that are easy, fun and inexpensive to change as desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A sandal system according to the current invention includes a thong style sandal, the upper of which exhibits the female half of a snap system permanently affixed to the center of the strap. The male portion of the snap system will be permanently affixed to the bottom side of various ornaments. When pressed together these snaps provide a secure method of attaching the sandal upper to a wide variety of ornaments.

An important object of the invention is to provide a sandal to the wearer that is fun and can coordinate with many different outfits without the necessary purchase of additional shoes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a view of a thong style sandal with the aforementioned female half of a snap system permanently affixed to the center of the strap.

FIG. 2 is a view of a thong style sandal with an ornament (in this case, a fabric flower) attached to the strap, as viewed from the side.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the underside of the interchangeable ornament. The male half of the snap is permanently affixed to it's underside.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the description of this invention, the word “upper” may be used as both a noun and as an adjective. As a noun, the word “upper” refers to the top and more decorative half of the sandal, as opposed to the sole. As an adjective it may refer to the top part of a surface as opposed to the underside.

FIG. 1 illustrates a thong style sandal. The upper of this style sandal consists of a pair of straps that join together at the front of the sandal to go in between the wearer's first and second toes and through the sole of the shoe. The other ends of these straps are connected through the sole of the shoe on either side of the wearer's foot.

At the center of this strap, (as shown in FIG. 1) the female half of a snap system has been permanently affixed.

The male portion of this snap system has been permanently affixed to the underside of the interchangeable ornaments (as shown in FIG. 3). When pressed together the ornament is easily and securely attached to the sandal upper to enhance the overall appearance of the shoe. The ornament may be changed or removed by simply pulling the snaps apart from each other.

For purposes of this invention, the word “ornament” refers to any and all decorative elements that may constructed to attach to the sandal. They may take on different appearances to appeal to a wide range of consumers (i.e. butterflies, flowers, sports emblems, monograms, etc) and may be comprised of various materials (i.e. molded plastic, fabric, beads, etc).

In order to provide the wearer with as many choices as possible the soles and straps of these sandals would be available in a wide array of colors as well. Any ornament would fit together with any of the sandals providing an endless combination of colors and designs.

While the present invention has been described and illustrated using specific terms, it is understood that variations may be made without departing from the intentions and scope of the following claims, found on page 7 of this application. 

1. A thong style sandal system comprising of: A sandal having an upper surface comprising of one side of a releasable snap attachment system and an ornament comprising of the other half of said releasable snap attachment system.
 2. A thong style sandal system according to claim 1, wherein: said ornament comprises of various materials including but not limited to: molded plastic, fabric or beads or any other material deemed necessary to enhance the overall appearance of the ornament.
 3. A thong style sandal system, according to claim 1, wherein: said releasable attachment system comprises of a snap attachment system. 